I have a lot of experience from quite cold areas..Alaska, Siberia, Kamchatka and also high in the Alps. All I can say is... more is better than less. I've never regretted that, I had, at one time, a Joutsen expedition sleeping bag even at - 5 C. It's comfortable, you sleep, you wake up rested in the morning. I use a Bison sleeping bag even when it's not so cold. This is especially importen for women.
I bought a WM Apache in spring 2001. Have used it for 30-150 nights a year since then...going on 20 years now. I got it restuffed once five years ago. By far the best piece of outdoor gear I've ever owned, and this is what I do for a living. Don't overthink it, just buy a WM, any WM and it'll last you a lifetime. And I definitely don't treat mine that well.
@@ALinsdau I'm told Infinitum is the same as GWS, however, come 2025, something will replace Infinitum that won't have the 15,000 hydrostatic head pressures.
I use and Alpenlite (-6C) for most conditions but have been caught here a few times in Central British Columbia in the fall and spring with the weather surprisingly dropping to -22C overnight!! I was wondering why my bag was under performing. LOL. I feel that WM typically underrates their specs compared to other brands so I'm sure the 850+ down is closer to 900. I now have a Puma GWS on order for those unpredictable times. My adventures usually involve an ATV so weight is not so much of an issue. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Thank you so much for your videos and books! I've read Antarctic Tears and am finishing up Lost at Windy Corner. I've recently finished my WM Bag collection owning 6 models, surprisingly all different than yours. I have: MityLite Sycamore Badger GWS Sequoia GWS Lynx GWS Cypress GWS My Son owns the Bison GWS. Thanks again for all the helpful knowledge and experience. You've been a great inspiration to me.
Hi Aaron (and the social media team :) ). Any tips on how to choose a bag for average -5C and -13C bag? Better to go for the -13 C one (like the Kodiak) or get the Alpine and push it with clothing, proper 4 season tent, water bottle etc.? Cheers!
I would go with the one that goes down to the colder temp because if it get a little hot you can just open the bag and if it get cold your all ready good to go.
Thanks for showing how to move the feathers. I’ve been trying to understand how to do that. I’ve got a badger mf for winter camping in the smokies and appellations. It’s a hot bag unless it’s below 30 degrees. I’m thinking of moving to a bison gws if I can line up a trip or two out west. Nice video.
Thanks. It took me a while to figure out the feather move technique. The Bison is quite an extreme bag. I've been completely happy with the Puma. The Bison would be useful in Yellowstone in deep winter or if you like to sleep outside your tent. It's pretty serious overkill but you will be warm!
I've found it's actually necessary to have multiple bags, but I I just want 1. But that isn't possible, to sleep comfortable all year. So 1 bag are rated to minus 30, although comfort temp is maybe half, with wool undergarments. And that I can use up till +5 degrees. Then an old military surplus bag that is rated to minus 15, really wouldn't survive in it down to minus 5, so run a fleece liner in it, and/or wool undergarments for the transition period. It's so wide and roomy, it's great the warm half of the year, and it's a down bag unlike my winterbag. That setup works perfectly.
Hi like your videos. A ting I would like is that you also mention the weight, degrees etc. in metric system. Im from Europe so, its a bit hard for me to figure out what the imperial units system :)
I'm trying to get out of Wiggy hell. I need a rectangle bag and I use them indoor only. Seems no one makes a big lofty rectangle bag for low temperatures.
Thank you for your very informative videos! I just had a question in mind. I’m looking to buy a WM bag (because it is a very reliable brand) and since they are quite expensive I was searching for a versatile bag, so I was wondering if buying a WM Ultralight or Versalite would be a good move to cover warm temperatures (~70F) to colder temperatures like 10F. I was looking at the Ultralight at first but then I saw some reviews stating that the Versalite was also very breathable and that in warmer temperatures it could be used opened or even like a quilt. So would you recommend going for the Versalite or would the Ultralight be a more versatile bag? (I am a cold sleeper by the way) sorry for the long reply…
Great review. I've been using WM bags for better than 10 years now and I couldn't be happier. I'm currently using the Kodiak and Bison for my winter ventures in the Rocky Mts.
I take a few trips to the Stanley Idaho area for winter camping each year; I've seen 35-40 below zero a few times. I suppose that is just on the 'cusp' of the temps the Bison was designed for, but it seems to work just fine for me. Edit: I had never thought of Yellowstone for my cold weather adventures-i'm going to have to head over that way this winter, perhaps? 👍🏻😎
Very well done review, not a lot of info on these awesome bags. Maybe a potential video (if you haven't done one) would be there propose and usage of vapor barriers and types of shelters
Hi Aaron, subscribed here, love your videos. I'm considering the lynx or puma . I haven't seen any real review videos on the lynx, and I think the puma might be to warm. I have a badger gws long, and wanting a warmer wm bag for mountaineering
Greetings from Canada Aaron! I am torn between the WM Megalyte and the WM Bristlecone( the latter costs twice as much), any thoughts on the Bristlecone? It seems to me, to be in between the Antelope and Puma. I had some trouble following your temperature ratings ‘cause we operate in Celsius, here in Canada. Thank you for your very informative review :)
It sits right next to my Antelope. I try to have 20ºF steps in temperature. I've only been caught a few times where the temp plunged unexpectedly. This helps prevent me from buying more sleeping bags.
When you say that it's "Overkill" to go with the lower temperature bag if it doesn't get down to a temperature that demands it, do you just mean that you are unnecessarily costing yourself money and weight, or do you also mean that you'd be sweating to death with a Bison in 35 degrees? Because I'm not sure how these bags might compare with wool, wool is pretty forgiving with not making you sweat to death even if you go Overkill with your layers, because it breathes so well. Basically I'm thinking about the situation where a person car camps so that they aren't concerned with weight, and they say to themself "OK since these bags are so expensive I'll just buy a Bison because it will have me covered in all cold situations no matter how low temperatures get!" Would that strategy work, or would they be dying inside a Bison at 40 degrees? Thank you.
Fantastic videos - thank you! I recently moved to Anchorage and would like to do some winter backpacking. I have an HMG Ultamid 4 shelter, but may want to tarp/bivy when solo. Can’t decide between Puma or Bison GWS... >_< Edit: I already have a Summerlite and a Kifaru 20° slick bag that’s huge so I can stuff a woobie inside for 0° if needed.
@@ALinsdau thanks, I was thinking more along lines of meeting f2f, hang out, share ideas, maybe then lending for a video for yah or something if you see any value in that. I too am entrepreneurial and would love to support and join forces with you :)
Get Western Mountaineering sleeping bags at Amazon:
MegaLite: amzn.to/2XJHm1H
UltraLite: amzn.to/2Zw0XnN
Versalite: amzn.to/2DvuoNq
Antelope: amzn.to/2GxLfQf
Puma: amzn.to/2GpPblW
Bison: amzn.to/2pxi7no
VBL Vapor Barrier Liner Hotsac: amzn.to/2Vm0ZiD
Down booties: amzn.to/2RjmX1i
Watch Aaron’s other Western Mountaineering videos:
Megalite bag: ua-cam.com/video/eQTYJHGpgo0/v-deo.html
Antelope bag: ua-cam.com/video/YlWmiastlrc/v-deo.html
Puma bag: ua-cam.com/video/Z1i8g4VZd4A/v-deo.html
Bison bag: ua-cam.com/video/3siEMb_Fik0/v-deo.html
Down booties: ua-cam.com/video/qtk1gdyEVKA/v-deo.html
Hotsac Vapor Barrier Liner: ua-cam.com/video/57tEVMT2D9I/v-deo.html
I have a lot of experience from quite cold areas..Alaska, Siberia, Kamchatka and also high in the Alps. All I can say is... more is better than less. I've never regretted that, I had, at one time, a Joutsen expedition sleeping bag even at - 5 C. It's comfortable, you sleep, you wake up rested in the morning. I use a Bison sleeping bag even when it's not so cold. This is especially importen for women.
So very true.
I bought a WM Apache in spring 2001. Have used it for 30-150 nights a year since then...going on 20 years now. I got it restuffed once five years ago. By far the best piece of outdoor gear I've ever owned, and this is what I do for a living. Don't overthink it, just buy a WM, any WM and it'll last you a lifetime. And I definitely don't treat mine that well.
Good to know!
Really great review. The loft on those expedition bags looks insane.
Thanks for watching.
I just heard that WM has discontinued making any sleeping bags with the Gore Windstopper outer fabric.
Thanks for letting me know.
@@ALinsdau I'm told Infinitum is the same as GWS, however, come 2025, something will replace Infinitum that won't have the 15,000 hydrostatic head pressures.
I use and Alpenlite (-6C) for most conditions but have been caught here a few times in Central British Columbia in the fall and spring with the weather surprisingly dropping to -22C overnight!! I was wondering why my bag was under performing. LOL. I feel that WM typically underrates their specs compared to other brands so I'm sure the 850+ down is closer to 900. I now have a Puma GWS on order for those unpredictable times. My adventures usually involve an ATV so weight is not so much of an issue. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Stay warm out there.
Thank you so much for your videos and books! I've read Antarctic Tears and am finishing up Lost at Windy Corner. I've recently finished my WM Bag collection owning 6 models, surprisingly all different than yours.
I have:
MityLite
Sycamore
Badger GWS
Sequoia GWS
Lynx GWS
Cypress GWS
My Son owns the Bison GWS. Thanks again for all the helpful knowledge and experience. You've been a great inspiration to me.
You've really invested. Cold camp in style.
Hi Aaron (and the social media team :) ). Any tips on how to choose a bag for average -5C and -13C bag? Better to go for the -13 C one (like the Kodiak) or get the Alpine and push it with clothing, proper 4 season tent, water bottle etc.? Cheers!
I would go with the one that goes down to the colder temp because if it get a little hot you can just open the bag and if it get cold your all ready good to go.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating: ua-cam.com/video/-apyPC3VxP4/v-deo.html
Thanks for showing how to move the feathers. I’ve been trying to understand how to do that. I’ve got a badger mf for winter camping in the smokies and appellations. It’s a hot bag unless it’s below 30 degrees. I’m thinking of moving to a bison gws if I can line up a trip or two out west. Nice video.
Thanks. It took me a while to figure out the feather move technique. The Bison is quite an extreme bag. I've been completely happy with the Puma. The Bison would be useful in Yellowstone in deep winter or if you like to sleep outside your tent. It's pretty serious overkill but you will be warm!
I've found it's actually necessary to have multiple bags, but I I just want 1. But that isn't possible, to sleep comfortable all year. So 1 bag are rated to minus 30, although comfort temp is maybe half, with wool undergarments. And that I can use up till +5 degrees. Then an old military surplus bag that is rated to minus 15, really wouldn't survive in it down to minus 5, so run a fleece liner in it, and/or wool undergarments for the transition period. It's so wide and roomy, it's great the warm half of the year, and it's a down bag unlike my winterbag. That setup works perfectly.
Great pointers, stay warm out there.
That was an excellent review! Well done.
Thanks for watching.
Hi
like your videos. A ting I would like is that you also mention the weight, degrees etc. in metric system. Im from Europe so, its a bit hard for me to figure out what the imperial units system :)
Noted - I've started adding metric where possible.
That's one heck of a collection of feathers. Those big bags make the small bags look like a rag.
Thanks for watching.
Wow great review 👍🏻didn’t realize there were so many versions 😎
It's amazing how many there are.
I'm trying to get out of Wiggy hell. I need a rectangle bag and I use them indoor only. Seems no one makes a big lofty rectangle bag for low temperatures.
I've seen rectangular bags for 0ºF (-19ºC) in stores before.
-60 degrees in a raging storm in Antarctica "again, a little cool"
It's a bit chilly there.
excellent video - your sleeping bag collection is mightily impressive! Do you ever nest some of the thinner bags together to increase your insulation?
No, that'd compress the down. Some use a synthetic & down combo in the arctic, though.
Which one is inside? I'm thinking the down is inside and synthetic outside @ALinsdau
Thank you for your very informative videos! I just had a question in mind. I’m looking to buy a WM bag (because it is a very reliable brand) and since they are quite expensive I was searching for a versatile bag, so I was wondering if buying a WM Ultralight or Versalite would be a good move to cover warm temperatures (~70F) to colder temperatures like 10F. I was looking at the Ultralight at first but then I saw some reviews stating that the Versalite was also very breathable and that in warmer temperatures it could be used opened or even like a quilt. So would you recommend going for the Versalite or would the Ultralight be a more versatile bag? (I am a cold sleeper by the way) sorry for the long reply…
If you had to choose one to go to 10ºF, it'd have to be the Versalite.
Alright, thank you very much!
Have you tried any at Atabatic quilts, Aaron?
Maybe I'll buy one for AT hiking
No I haven't tried one yet - I'm still a sleeping bag guy. People who do the AT seem to swear by quilts, though.
If you were a stomach sleeper do you just turn over on your stomach and use a different hood? Or should I turn the bag upside down?
Turn the bag with you, otherwise you face will be in the hood. Stay warm.
Great t review, Aaron
Thanks for watching.
Great review. I've been using WM bags for better than 10 years now and I couldn't be happier. I'm currently using the Kodiak and Bison for my winter ventures in the Rocky Mts.
Are you going to Yellowstone or somewhere to need the Bison?
I take a few trips to the Stanley Idaho area for winter camping each year; I've seen 35-40 below zero a few times. I suppose that is just on the 'cusp' of the temps the Bison was designed for, but it seems to work just fine for me.
Edit: I had never thought of Yellowstone for my cold weather adventures-i'm going to have to head over that way this winter, perhaps? 👍🏻😎
Very well done review, not a lot of info on these awesome bags. Maybe a potential video (if you haven't done one) would be there propose and usage of vapor barriers and types of shelters
Here's a video on the Western Mountaineering Hot Sac VBL: ua-cam.com/video/57tEVMT2D9I/v-deo.html
Is the quilt still in good condition?
Down drop. Smell. Stickiness.
Thanks for watching. Quilt is still good.
What do you think of Wiggys?
Couldn’t say unfortunately.
Hey Aaron do have you tried treating your bags with Nikwax/Grangers type stuff? Do you think it helps deal with moisture?
I've used down wash on the bags before and it seems to work well. I haven't noticed any adverse issues.
Hi Aaron, subscribed here, love your videos. I'm considering the lynx or puma . I haven't seen any real review videos on the lynx, and I think the puma might be to warm. I have a badger gws long, and wanting a warmer wm bag for mountaineering
Would be used for winter high peaks in CA and NV
I love my Puma.
Greetings from Canada Aaron! I am torn between the WM Megalyte and the WM Bristlecone( the latter costs twice as much), any thoughts on the Bristlecone? It seems to me, to be in between the Antelope and Puma. I had some trouble following your temperature ratings ‘cause we operate in Celsius, here in Canada. Thank you for your very informative review :)
I like to have 20deg F (10 deg C) steps in my bags, that way I'm versatile. The Bristlecone is a great bag if you work in that mindset.
Thanks for the video. Why doesn't the versalite fit your philosophy?
It sits right next to my Antelope. I try to have 20ºF steps in temperature. I've only been caught a few times where the temp plunged unexpectedly. This helps prevent me from buying more sleeping bags.
@@ALinsdau I see. Thanks for the answer. Is there a reason you prefer the antelope?
Great post..
Thank you.
When you say that it's "Overkill" to go with the lower temperature bag if it doesn't get down to a temperature that demands it, do you just mean that you are unnecessarily costing yourself money and weight, or do you also mean that you'd be sweating to death with a Bison in 35 degrees? Because I'm not sure how these bags might compare with wool, wool is pretty forgiving with not making you sweat to death even if you go Overkill with your layers, because it breathes so well. Basically I'm thinking about the situation where a person car camps so that they aren't concerned with weight, and they say to themself "OK since these bags are so expensive I'll just buy a Bison because it will have me covered in all cold situations no matter how low temperatures get!" Would that strategy work, or would they be dying inside a Bison at 40 degrees? Thank you.
They'd be dying in a Bison at 40ºF. I'd be too hot in a Puma. Even the Antelope would be too warm for me, but I sleep warm.
I just sleep on mine if it's warm
Fantastic videos - thank you! I recently moved to Anchorage and would like to do some winter backpacking. I have an HMG Ultamid 4 shelter, but may want to tarp/bivy when solo. Can’t decide between Puma or Bison GWS... >_<
Edit: I already have a Summerlite and a Kifaru 20° slick bag that’s huge so I can stuff a woobie inside for 0° if needed.
Get the lowest degree bag you can afford for Alaska. :)
I'm in San Diego with 2 brand new Valandre shocking blue neos. Would you he interested in reviewing them?
I’d love to try them in the cold if you can ship them.
@@ALinsdau thanks, I was thinking more along lines of meeting f2f, hang out, share ideas, maybe then lending for a video for yah or something if you see any value in that. I too am entrepreneurial and would love to support and join forces with you :)
i used a apache bag not that warm in lower temp
What sort of temperatures?
Sold me on the Antelope
Thanks for watching!
Antelope is a 5 degree sleeping bag
Thanks for the note.